As Canadians reconsider their summer plans, many are seeking meaningful ways to relax and reconnect closer to home. Discover Boating Canada, the premier resource for boating information, is helping people discover the freedom and flexibility of life on the water, offering an accessible 'vacation-on-demand' that can turn an ordinary summer day into a memorable experience.
The Appeal of Boating Close to Home
Whether it's fishing at the cottage, cruising with friends, wakeboarding with the kids, or simply enjoying a sunset on the lake, boating offers Canadians something increasingly valuable: a chance to slow down, unplug, and create lasting experiences with loved ones.
"Ask Canadians about their favorite summer memories and chances are boating is part of the story," said Marie-France MacKinnon, Executive Director of NMMA Canada and Discover Boating Canada. "Summer doesn't have to mean planning a big trip. Some of the best days are the ones spent close to home — away from the airports, crowds and packed itineraries. At the end of the day, people remember how summer felt, not how far they traveled."
Why Canadians Love the Water
There's a reason people are naturally drawn to the water: it offers a sense of calm, clarity, and restoration that is hard to find elsewhere. Boating can help reduce stress and boost mood, which is why more than ten million Canadians take to the water each year. From Victoria to the Thousand Islands, Lake Winnipeg, the Muskokas, and Halifax Harbour, boating remains woven into the Canadian summer experience, creating memories and traditions that last for years.
Accessible Options for Every Interest and Budget
Boating is more accessible than many realize, with flexible options that fit various interests, experience levels, and budgets. Whether you rent, charter, share, join a boat club, or own a boat, there are plenty of ways to participate. Discover Boating Canada shares five easy ways Canadians can enjoy life on the water this summer:
- Rent or share a boat. Rentals and peer-to-peer sharing are popular among new boaters. Rental outfitters are available on most waterways, offering hourly, daily, or weekly access to various boat types. They provide tutorials, safety instructions, and destination suggestions. Peer-to-peer rentals allow you to find a boat in your area, connect with the owner, and hit the water.
- Join a boat club. Fractional boating membership programs and boat clubs handle most responsibilities like fueling, maintenance, and insurance, so members can focus on enjoying time on the water without ownership duties.
- Take a class. From sailing schools to on-water training courses, opportunities across Canada help boaters of all levels build confidence, learn new skills, and safely enjoy the boating lifestyle.
- Explore boat ownership. Ready to buy your dream boat? Discover Boating Canada's Dealer Finder is a convenient interactive tool to search for and connect with boat dealers near you. At a dealership, you can shop a variety of boats, compare models and features, ask questions, and schedule a test ride.
- Go fish. Fishing charters are available in many locations across Canada, offering expert guides for an enjoyable trip. Appropriate gear is provided, and professional guides lead you to the best fishing spots and share helpful techniques to reel in your catch.
